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Living in the Bordeaux region: The perfect blend of culture and relaxation

Mahaut Fauquet
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Modified on
1/14/2025
Bordeaux
Summary

Bordeaux is one of the most emblematic cities in the southwest of the France. Located on the banks of the Garonne River, this internationally renowned city seduces with its majestic architecture, its world-famous vineyards and its exceptional living environment. Culturally and economically dynamic, located just two hours from the Atlantic Ocean and close to the Pyrenees, Bordeaux attracts both French residents and internationals looking for a pleasant living environment.

Whether you're looking for a second home or a new place to stay, the Bordeaux region has a lot to offer!

Living in Bordeaux: practical information

Where is Bordeaux located?

Bordeaux is located in the Gironde department, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Boasting a temperate oceanic climate, the city experiences hot (and sometimes very hot!) summers and mild winters. The city of Bordeaux is divided into several districts, each with its own charm and character, and is surrounded by charming towns and villages, between vineyards and the sea.

How to get there?

Bordeaux is perfectly connected, whether you come from France or abroad:

  • Road: The A10 motorway connects Bordeaux to Paris, while the A63 allows you to quickly reach the Atlantic coast and Spain.
  • Railway: Bordeaux-Saint-Jean station is served by TGVs that allow you to reach Paris in just two hours.
  • Air: Bordeaux-Mérignac airport, located about fifteen minutes from the centre, offers flights to many destinations in Europe and around the world.
Photo streets of Bordeaux

Amenities

Bordeaux is a city where everything is at your fingertips: modern hospitals, French and international schools, shopping malls, as well as numerous sports and cultural facilities make this city a perfect place for a comfortable daily life. The proximity to cities such as Arcachon (by the water) or Saint-Émilion (in the middle of the vineyards) also makes it easy to enjoy nature and leisure activities in a few minutes by car.

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The advantages of living in Bordeaux

A pleasant climate

Bordeaux's oceanic climate is ideal for those looking for a mild environment throughout the year. Summers are hot (but the sea is not far away!) and winters remain relatively moderate. And even if, unlike in the south-east Mediterranean, the rain is often there, it is only to offer us green and lush landscapes!

Garden photo in Bordeaux
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A city rich in culture and history

Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its unique architectural ensemble, made up of magnificent eighteenth-century buildings. The city is also renowned for its many museums, such as the Museum of Aquitaine, the Cité du Vin, or the CAPC, museum of contemporary art. The historic centre, with its cobbled streets and lively squares, is a real journey back in time.

Breathtaking landscapes

Between the vineyards of the Médoc and Saint-Émilion, the fine sandy beaches of the Atlantic and the pine forests of the Landes, Bordeaux offers a diversity of landscapes to discover. Nature lovers will find their happiness with outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports.

A renowned gastronomy

The Bordeaux region is a mecca of French gastronomy! In addition to the world-famous wines, Bordeaux offers refined cuisine with specialties such as foie gras, oysters from the Arcachon basin, and the famous cannelés, these small caramelized pastries with vanilla and rum. The city and its suburbs are full of restaurants, ranging from local bistros to Michelin-starred establishments.

A dynamic international community

Thanks to its economic and tourist attractiveness, Bordeaux is home to a growing international community. Foreign expatriates and retirees, especially British, Dutch and Belgian, find in this city a welcoming living environment and infrastructures adapted to their needs.

Photo Bordeaux at night

The real estate market in Bordeaux

The Bordeaux real estate market is very dynamic and diverse, offering options for all buyer profiles. In 2024, prices per square meter vary according to the district, ranging from €4,000 to more than €7,000/m² in the most popular areas such as the historic city center or the Chartrons. Properties located in more residential districts such as Caudéran or Saint-Augustin are also highly sought after for their calm and green spaces.

Whether you're looking for an apartment in a Haussmannian building, a contemporary house, or an estate in the surrounding vineyards, Bordeaux offers plenty of opportunities for second home buyers or those looking to settle down long-term.

Bordeaux
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Living and working in Bordeaux

In addition to its tourist appeal, Bordeaux is a dynamic city economically. Innovation hubs such as Bordeaux Euratlantique or the Bastide district are home to many companies, particularly in the digital, aeronautics and services sectors. The city offers a perfect living environment for those who wish to combine quality of life and professional opportunities.

Spending your retirement in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is an ideal destination for retirees. With its quality medical infrastructure, cultural activities, and mild climate, the city offers a pleasant living environment for those who wish to enjoy their retirement to the fullest. Its surroundings, such as the Arcachon basin or the wine-growing villages, also offer places to relax nearby.

The small flaws

Bordeaux, despite its many advantages, also has some disadvantages. The cost of living, especially for housing, is relatively high, especially in central neighbourhoods. In addition, the city faces heavy traffic, especially during the summer tourist periods.

Arcachon - Lacanau

In conclusion: Bordeaux, a jewel of the South-West

Whether for its vineyards, its culture or its pleasant climate, Bordeaux is a city where life is good all year round. Whether you are considering a real estate investment, a second home or a place to spend your retirement, Bordeaux will seduce you with its landscapes, its art of living and its rich history.

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